Penny Boy, tattoo artist of the caliber of Michele Morrone, tells his world made of ink and metamorphosis

Memories engraver, Tattoo artist from international fame, works between Italy, the United States and Asia. Massimiliano BRUBLE, aka Penny Boyis not just a tattoo artist, but A narrator who creates indelible stories on the skin of face and body. Raised in Milan in an all -female family, has transformed the art of the tattoo into a universal languageembracing distant visions and cultures. With a collection of over 100 international prizes and participation in more than 300 conventions, Penny Boy is part of the great body artto the point of being guest of honor in the most prestigious world events, from Pacif Ink & Art Expo to the scenes of New York and Paris. His tattoo style, suspended between tradition and innovation, It focuses in particular on the dynamics of metamorphosis: animals that become women, women who fade in wild creatures. An art that creates a healthy addiction and that, among others, has fascinated the celebrity of the caliber Michele Morrone and Liam St. John. Not only that: soon Penny Boy’s art will also dress fashion with one Special collaboration for Sullen Clothing. We let us tell us about his life, his art, his vision is him.

In many countries the tattoos are considered art in all respects, while in Italy prejudices still persist. What is missing for the definitive artistic recognition of tattoos?
«Things are just like that. For years in the world tattoo and body art have been considered a real art form. But unfortunately in Italy we are still linked to traditionalist preconceptions or in any case to the idea that the tattooed is the bad guy on duty, although fortunately we are shaking off this stereotype. It must be said that the idea of ​​embodying the intriguing rebel pushes people to tattoo, and this allows you to see more and more people tattooed on the street, normalizing everything. On the other hand, seeing more and more tattoo on television leads us to have a greater tolerance and a real general enthusiasm, revealing an approach to the tattoo certainly more open than in the past ».

The tattoo is increasingly a beauty phenomenon: how is the tattoo aesthetic changing?
«In the past the tattoo was more a form of transgression, today instead it is certainly also a way to adorn one’s body, to express themselves and one’s personality. Today they are studied and created real body suits, as if to paint a picture ».

We know he loves to dedicate tattoos to female faces a lot.
“Real. Tatuo many women who approach me pushed precisely by the beauty and elegance of the faces of a woman of my drawings. Other women want, however, to see their hearts of the heart represented. In Italy I have like the impression that men are most tattered. As for the tattoo approach, it changes a lot with age: when you are adults, you get closer to tattoos in a wise and intelligent way, while as young people you follow the fashion, the friend, the trend, the one that depopulates on social networks ».

The Penny Boy style: its distinctive trait has conquered the world. How did your artistic signature come about?
«My style was born for years and years of research, experimentation, dedication and drawing. The search to create subjects in which people could find themselves, identify and expose meanings was the main objective. Behind my own drawing there is a precise message, an idea of ​​what the drawing will represent. The beauty of art comes into play later: each person will then see in the finished work what that drawing the most transmits to her, the one that reaches her heart. In my style and in my work I put more heart than I head. Having said that, however, they remain essential technical points with regard to the drafting of the color, the details, the contrasts, the choice of colors ».

His tattoos depicting the transitions from women to animal are now very famous. Where does this inspiration come from?
«I think this theme connects closely to the fact that I grew up with my mom and my sisters and I have always been surrounded by women. I believe that this biographical data has given me a marked sensitivity, attention and perception of being. Everything is expressed in my drawings, which often prove to be an ode to women, an expressing their beauty in all the multiple variations. The animal part of my tattoos derives from the fact that I love animals: after all we are animals and we all have an animal part, more hidden or accentuated. Hence the need to enhance this side of us in my drawings, integrating them into a transition. In my little one, I try to do my part in this world by helping animals. Support bodies such as Seashepherd, they are one of those people who if there is an animal who enters the house does not kill him, but moves him gently out ».

From Milan to the world: tattooed changes according to the country where you live? Works between the USA, Europe and Asia. What differences known in the way of living the tattoo in various cultures? And how is Italian tattoo perceived abroad?
«There is a lot of difference in the tattoo approach according to the place of the world where you are. Customer requests change, primarily in terms of subjects. For example, in Hawaii, they above all ask me for the traditional Tattoo; In New Zealand they ask me for the Maori style; In California it depopulates the realistic black and white style; In Europe they want ornamental style. What I can say as an Italian tattoo artist is that, abroad, people go crazy when they know that I come from Italy: we are connected to art and quality and we are seen as artists par excellence. In short, an excellent business card ».

He tattooed stars like Michele Morrone and Liam St. John. How does the creative process change when the customer is a public icon?
“In reality, the process is the same, only that there is a strong mutual esteem for both top players in your sector, there is a lot of talk during the session, ideas and experiences are shared. At that moment there are, side by side, two artists who share their idea of ​​art and lived life. With most of the famous people I have tattooed (but also with many of my customers in general), I end up becoming a friend. During my career I have tattooed many prominent characters and – I will not make names! -, but there have been several extravagant requests, such as tatting them as they ran ».

Collaborations between the art of tattoo and fashion: how did the partnership with Sullen Clothing born?
«I was in convention in Philadelphia, the largest in the world, and Jeremy, one of the owners of the Sullen Clothing brand, presented me. He said he was fascinated by my paintings on the table and told me to contact them for a collaboration. A project born like this. For them I created a drawing that starting from my art expressed the concept of my duality, the famous transition from animal to women and vice versa. In particular, for the drawings of this fashion capsule I inspired myself to the transition between wolf and woman and vice versa. I wanted to represent a woman-like that comes out of the flames of a painful heart with thorns. A tribute to the great strength of women, who are always able to reassure and give hope even in the most difficult daily situations, always going out victorious and head -to -head. Today they are part of the Sullen Family artists, the only Italian: every year there will be new releases created in collaboration with me. The first T-shirt capsule is already available ».

Today you can see more and more tattoos removed or covered. What is the secret to choosing a tattoo that will represent us forever?
«I think everything is very subjective, but surely the search for the right artist, so that he knows how to advise you, listen to you and even counter you, explaining everything from A to Z, is fundamental. And then you certainly don’t regret when choosing a tattoo linked to something or someone who represents you: your passion, the sport you love, a family member ».

Future projects and dreams in the drawer?
«I would like to tattoo people with disabilities for free, people born with physical problems or who have experienced traumatic experiences, such as war veterans or those who have won battles against bad diseases. I wish I could do something for them, listening to their stories in a day of exchange of energy and emotions. I would also like to bring my art on television. I have beautiful projects in mind. I hope to reveal them as soon as possible ».